Dollar strikes FTSE

Mining stocks made gains as their commodities are priced in dollars – meaning they can sell more when the price falls – but declines by stocks across a raft of sectors helped tip the balance into the red. Tomkins, car parts supplier, fell 16p to 252p after reporting troubles caused by rising input costs and falling demand as new car sales tail off. A weak dollar will hurt car makers exporting to the US, reducing demand for its parts. Northern Rock closed down 20p at 705p after Credit Suisse analysts marked down their recommendation. British Land closed down 22p at 780p after report...